She becomes head of change and internal communications next week as the BBC plans to slash 4,000 jobs by 2008 as part of D-G Mark Thompson's modernisation strategy.
Leading a team of 30, Bell is also charged with helping to persuade staff to relocate to Manchester. BBC Sport, the new media and technology department and Children's BBC could move to the city by the end of the decade.
Bell replaces Russell Grossman who has joined HM Revenue and Customs as head of internal comms (PRWeek, 16 Sept 2005).
Other challenges include preparing for the Royal Charter review and gearing up for the UK's digital television switchover.
'The BBC faces similar challenges to Reuters in terms of efficiency and ensuring value for money and richer content,' said Bell.
Reuters' internal comms team services a global network of 15,000 staff. It is seeking Bell's replacement.
